Modern and changing weddingsSoutheast AsiaHinduMuslim
Same-sex marriage in Indonesia
The legal status and social reality of same-sex unions under Indonesian law.
Indonesia does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions. The law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and couples married abroad cannot register their relationship locally.
Indonesian law prohibits same-sex marriage and civil partnerships. Couples who marry overseas cannot register their union in Indonesia. Public opinion remains largely opposed to legal recognition, with surveys showing high levels of resistance across the archipelago.
Legal framework
The Marriage Law of 1974 defines marriage as a bond between a man and a woman. It requires both partners to follow their religion's rules for the union to be lawful. Civil administration laws also restrict registration to heterosexual pairs. Same-sex couples married in other countries are barred from having their status recognized by Indonesian authorities.
Social reactions
Celebrations of same-sex marriage legalization abroad sparked backlash in Indonesia. Religious officials condemned such events as contrary to local values. A 2015 commitment ceremony in Ubud caused significant controversy. Local leaders called for purification rituals after the event. Police have intervened to stop similar ceremonies in other regions, citing public discomfort and legal violations.
Historical context
Pre-modern communities had unique views on gender and relationships. Javanese warok men sometimes kept young male partners called gemblak. Minang and Madurese cultures also acknowledged same-sex bonds. Bugis society recognized five genders, with bissu shamans embodying multiple sexes. These traditions have faded due to modern education and colonial influence.
Public opinion
Polls show strong opposition to same-sex marriage in Indonesia. A 2023 survey found only 5 percent support legalization. This is the lowest approval rate among six Southeast Asian nations studied. Most citizens oppose the idea, while a small minority remain neutral or supportive.
When and where
Ubud and Wonosobo are mentioned as sites of controversial ceremonies. The practice is illegal nationwide but occurs discreetly or abroad.
Then and now
Traditional gender roles and same-sex relationships have diminished due to modern values. Legal recognition remains unavailable, and public sentiment stays largely negative toward same-sex unions.
Questions people ask about Same-sex marriage in Indonesia
Is same-sex marriage legal in Indonesia?
No. The law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Couples cannot register same-sex marriages performed abroad.
What happened at the Ubud ceremony?
A 2015 commitment ceremony caused outrage. Local leaders demanded purification rituals, calling the event impure and against customary law.
How do Indonesians feel about it?
Most oppose it. A 2023 poll showed only 5 percent support legalization, the lowest rate in Southeast Asia.
See also
Interracial marriageA union between spouses of different races or racialized ethnicities, now legal in most nations.
KenduriA communal feast and prayer gathering held by Javanese and Malay communities to mark life events.
Bride priceWealth paid by the groom or his family to the bride or her kin to formalize a union.
Arranged marriage in the Indian subcontinentThe family-led matchmaking process that shapes most marriages across South Asia.Good reading and sources
- This Indonesian community has five genders — one of them is under threat of dying outABC News Australia, Article
- This Indonesian community has five genders — one of them is under threat of dying outABC News Australia, Article
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Recognition of same-sex unions in Indonesia", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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